Hurricane Helene Causes Electoral Disruptions

In response to Hurricane Helene's devastation, South Carolina has extended its voter registration deadline to October 14, following a lawsuit by the state's Democratic Party, to ensure all citizens can register despite the hurricane's impact. The hurricane has caused significant destruction and over 40 deaths, affecting multiple states. North Carolina faces unprecedented damage, impacting absentee ballot distribution and in-person voting logistics, while Florida has authorized election supervisors to relocate polling places and extend early voting options. Emergency measures, including 'election offices in a box' kits, are being implemented to maintain election operations. These efforts underscore the electoral disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene as states strive to address the challenges ahead of the upcoming elections. President Biden's disaster declaration supports these local responses to mitigate disruptions.